Winter feeding sites save time and money

Dec 06, 2022

More and more cattle producers are looking at extensive winter feeding options.

This involves feeding the animals out on the field through swath grazing, bale grazing, processing or using stockpiled forages.

Agri-Environmental Specialist Keana Boere says the animals are out on the field and their feed is already located on that field.

"So producers don't have to start their tractor every morning. So it saves some time and some money. In addition, the nutrients that are deposited from the manure, or from those feed sources are already out on that field. So there are less manure hauling costs, and crops grown on that field potentially could use those nutrients in the next growing season."

She says as a result it's important when selecting a site for winter feeding to think about environmental impacts.

"So selecting sites with low slopes, because steeper slopes have a greater risk of runoff and the potential for nutrients to end up in water bodies. You can also add structures to a site like berms, spaces or ditches just to help control runoff and erosion. Second is to consider the ground cover of the site. Vegetation cover of any kind slows and traps runoff water."

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.